A helicopter and ground search teams are combing a remote area of northern Queensland to try to locate the experienced fisherman who has been missing since Sunday November 12. A major air and land search is under way for the former 2GB Sydney radio presenter who went missing on a solo fishing trip in crocodile-infested waters in remote Queensland.

Roman Butchaski has been missing since Sunday and only his vehicle and fishing gear have been found so far. Mr Butchaski used to co-host a fishing show on the 2GB radio station and is said to have been going to the area for years.

The region is well known as a hotspot for crocodiles, but there’s also the possibility he may be lost or had a medical emergency.

2GB host Ben Fordham told listeners “a major search and rescue operation is now under way” in an area nearly 400 miles north of Cairns, on the Cape York peninsula.

Harry Clarke, a journalist from Country Caller, told the station Mr Butchaski was “last seen at 8am on Sunday heading off towards the Olive River, which is in far north Queensland”.

He said he had borrowed a buggy from a friend and travelled about an hour to the river.

“All they’ve found of Butch is that vehicle with some personal effects such as a fishing rod… and he hasn’t been seen since,” said Mr Clarke.

The region is established crocodile habitat and the area he was travelling to is a tidal saltwater river.

“I’m devastated – Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He’s been fishing there forever,” said Gavin Pitchford, Mr Butchaski’s co-host on the fishing programme.

He said his friend has diabetes, so there’s a possibility he may have had a medical issue.